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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. There is some scattered rain on the radar this morning. We aren't expecting much rain today, mostly isolated showers.

Before I get started.....we have one last spot available in tomorrow's Euro Nymphing Class. A student had to drop out so it is first come. Give us a call to grab the spot 865-448-9459. Price is $100.

Water levels in the Smokies are excellent for fishing right now. This morning the gauge on Little River is giving a reading of 2.03 feet or 215 c.f.s. which is below the daily normal of 260 c.f.s. The streams are flowing clear. There is a chance for scattered thunderstorms today so be watchful of water levels. Flows can change very rapidly as a result of storms higher in the watershed.

Water temperatures are a very comfortable 62 F. Quite a few anglers are starting to hang the waders up and just wet wade. When the air temperatures are warm this can be a great way to fish.

John Chambers was out on Abrams Creek in Cades Cove yesterday. He asked Paul if we were sending everyone up there because the stream was covered up with fishermen. He did pretty well despite the crowds. There was a large sulphur hatch going on.

Hatches in the Smokies have been lighter in color. Light Cahill, Light Hendrickson, Sulphur, Yellow Sallies etc. Sizes are ranging from #12 - #16 depending on the type of bug you are imitating. Smoky Mountain Candy, Light Cahill, Yellow Parachute Adams, Neversink Caddis, Rob's Hellbenders and Sulphurs are all good right now. Afternoons have been better for the dry fly action.

Nymph patterns are Pink Squirmy worms, Prince Nymphs, Tellico Nymph, Pheasant Tails. Using a smaller nymph as a dropper below a dry is a great choice. Soft Hackles also make good droppers.

It is busy in the Shop this morning. Townsend will be busy this weekend. The Townsend Heritage Festival is going on today and tomorrow. If you are into bluegrass, food and crafts then it is something for you to see.

Some of the tailwaters are finally fishable. You still need to watch release schedules. The Holston below Cherokee is generating 2 or more. The Clinch is off this morning until noon then running 1 generator. The South Holston isn't generating but says that it is sluicing 1100 c.f.s. till further notice

The smallmouth should be starting to pick up with the warmer water temperatures. I expect that streamer are the way to go for them right now. It won't be long and they will be eating topwater again.

Keep an eye on the weather if you venture out. Sometimes fishing gets really good before a change in weather. Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.

Daniel Drake
May 3, 2019

Respond to: info@littleriveroutfitters.com

AUCTION FOR BAMBOO FLY ROD AND GUIDE TRIP | There is a basket with a Walter Babb bamboo fly rod, Walter Babb flies and a Rob Fightmaster guide trip going up for auction outside the Gift Shop at UT Medical Center. Bidding will start on Monday May 6th and will run through Friday May 10th. The rod is 7'9" Paravergne Taper 2 piece for a 5 or 6wt and has an extra tip.